What’s A Drabble?

Well, that is a very good question and, considering it is a major part of my writing style, a question that I should answer.

To put it simply, a drabble is a short short story written using only 100 words. Not 99 words, not 101 words, but 100 words exactly.

Now, knowing the Internet and it’s denizens the way I do, I know some of you want more, so here is a link to the Wikipedia page: Drabble

Okay, something you won’t find on the Internet is the answer to the question: What’s a Drabble Novel? Why? Because I made it up.

Yep, I created an entirely new literary form.

By stringing together a series of drabbles, I have been able to create long form fiction out of a micro-fiction style.

If you listen to the podcast you will notice there are four-second breaks between parts. Each four-second break means the end of 100 words and the begining of the next 100 words.

Why do this? Well, it really began as an exercise in character and plot developement. Then I realized I could start piecing these together as bits of scenes. Viola, the very first Drabble Novel was born! It also allows me to easily move pieces around to control the pacing and timing of the narrative.

So let me know what you think and I hope you enjoy the new form. It’ll be interesting to see how it translates to the written page one day…

Bonus question:

Why do I like drabbles so much?

Well, because I am full of ideas (and other stuff… shut up) and a drabble lets me get those ideas out. I want to write about ghosts and ghoulies, aliens and space cowboys, serial killers and world dominating ponies, you know, the basic stuff. But, who wants to read another short story about all of those things? And who says a 1000 word story or 10,000 word story is going to pack any more punch than 100 words? I can write my quick tale and move on and hopefully entertain a few people at the same time.

So hopefully this clears a couple things up for you.

Cheers!

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Wow, Today I am smarter. I have learned something new. I heard the mention of drabble in the podcasts, but wasn’t sure what exactly it was and enjoyed the podcast so much that I never though to look it up.

I am constantly amazed at the talent that is out there. It inspires me to want to get up and do something my self. The Dead Mech Series is awesome!

I’m glad the explanation helped. Sorry it took so long for me to get the page up. That damn life thing got in the way. Thanks for listening. More importantly, thanks for commenting. Every bit of feedback helps. Cheers!

Yeah, I tried a few things and found that the wind blowing was the best transition. I couldn’t find a sound effect that wouldn’t drive me crazy after the first few transitions. And each episode has between 50 & 60 transitions!
Don’t worry though, it’s easy to follow when you buy the book (available in September)!
Cheers,
Jake

I’m really enjoying Dead Mech, the episodes are just the right length to walk my dog. I do find that the story jumps from scene to scene a bit too often but the general pace is really fast moving. I think what makes it for me is that you are performing the book yourself and know just where to enhance speech and accent parts, really good. I write myself and do find there are always going to be tedious essentials included to let the reader (or listener) know important background etc. I may dabble with drabble myself and see how it comes out. Anyway, just about to take the dog out and hear what’s happened after the sandstorm.
Sean from the UK

Holy F*ck! Sorry dirty mouth too, this podiobook was so good. I listened to it a work and made the days go by so qwick. I don’t read to much do to my A.D.D so listening is perfect and with an author that can write and perform such an amazing story is where its at. Thank you Jake for the story and opening me up to an all new area of podcasts Podiobooks. Dead Mech 2 (or whatever its called) can’t wait! Jimmy
P.S. Drapple is a little tuff to get at first but once your into the story its addictive as Hell. Thanks again.

DUDE!! Sweet, what? Oh idk, I love this shit, really gets the mind juices pumpin. The Drabble format works for me, keeps it fresh and interesting. love the genre, what’s not to love?, plenty of action, blood and guts, zombies and inbreds with a bit of tit and ass on the side. mwhahaha, keep up the great work. I Hope there’s more blood and guts comming my way soon.

Apparently, I’m late to the party, but your explanation is greatly appreciated. I too have thoroughly enjoyed the Dead Mech podcast (almost done…dammit), and am interested in hearing more of your novel length drabblings.